Jurgen Klopp looks set to hand a start to Joel Matip for Liverpool 's EFL Cup semi-final second leg against Southampton.

The Cameroon international has been unavailable since withdrawing from the Africa Cup of Nations, but returned to the bench for Saturday's defeat against Swansea.

However, Matip played an hour for the Under-23s the following day and looks set to be thrown into the starting XI against the Saints at Anfield.

Captain Jordan Henderson is a possible doubt with a persistent heel problem but he is expected to play.

Joel Matip is set to return this week (Image: Liverpool FC/Getty Images)

Jurgen Klopp is likely to go with Matip from the start against Southampton (Image: Liverpool FC/Getty Images)

Daniel Sturridge could also start the game (Image: Liverpool FC/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Southampton will await results of a scan on Virgil van DIjk to assess whether the defender will play.

The Saints captain hobbled off in the 55th minute during their 3-0 Premier League win over Leicester on Sunday and remains a doubt for their trip to Merseyside.

Should Van Dijk miss out, England Under-21 international Jack Stephens, who came on as a substitute for the Dutchman, could deputise for Claude Puel's side.

Ryan Bertrand and Dusan Tadic should keep their places in the starting XI as Puel confirmed that he will play his strongest side at Anfield while Steven Davis could recover from a knock which has caused him to miss their last few games.